Slice of Springs meeting talks foreclosure rates, crime stats

As many as 4,469 properties in Coral Springs are in some form of foreclosure, with 1,301 of them in the north and northeast parts of the city.

"Thirty percent of the foreclosures are in the north side and northeast parts of the city," said Ken Maroney, chief code enforcement officer, during a recent Slice of the Springs meeting. "There are 201 [bank-owned properties], 341 up for auction and 759 in pre-foreclosure in these parts of the city."

The ordinance that makes it mandatory for banks to register vacant, abandoned properties with the city is working well, Maroney said. "There were 1,270 foreclosed homes registered in financial year 2009. There are 552 already this year," he said. "We want properties to move; quicker the better."

In addition to discussing foreclosures, the meeting also discussed the change in crime statistics over the past year.

Overall crime numbers in the city were down 2.7 percent, said Captain Jim Hanrahan of the Coral Springs Police Department.

In the north side of the city, residential burglaries increased from 49 in 2008-2009 to 50 in 2009-2010, while it went from 59 to 67 in the northeast section. In the city as a whole, residential burglaries increased from 411 to 445.

Vehicle burglaries in the north side of the city also went up. There were 153 in 2008-2009 and 168 in 2009-2010, an increase of 10 percent. The northeast side saw the number decrease from 117 to 108.

"Don't let your guard down if you live in a gated community," Hanrahan said. "Keep your home and cars locked. If you see something in progress or think there is a problem, don't call the security guard. Call 911. Don't leave purchases in your car; take them home."

Residents at the meeting also expressed concern over a variety of issues, including the lack of speed humps on Northwest 44th Court, a home in North Springs Way not having a proper roof since Hurricane Wilma, and empty commercial spaces in various parts of the city. A resident wanted to know if the city was doing anything to attract big players like Sports Authority to the empty Kmart plaza.

"We've had some people looking at the plaza," said Susan Hess, director of community development. "There is interest in the property, but it is too early to say anything. We are doing everything we can, but it is a private piece of property. Publix had plans for a GreenWise market in the downtown area, but the economy has hit them as well."